Hearing health is a top concern for most consumers, with 70% reporting it is a priority, yet proactive management is rare, with only 10% of consumers noting they visited an audiologist in the past year, according to a study conducted by Synchrony on behalf of their leading healthcare financial solution, CareCredit. The study, which surveyed over 2,000 consumers aged 18 to 55, alongside 26 audiologists, uncovered new insights about the perceptions and behaviours regarding hearing loss and care including that consumers may not recognise hearing loss symptoms and options that can help.
The study also found many consumers (71%) were unaware of the link between hearing loss and other health issues like dementia, but upon learning about the connection, 49% said it affected their decision to get their hearing checked. However, three-quarters of all consumers are willing to change their behaviours to preserve their hearing, but only around half of them would be motivated to get their hearing checked if they developed noticeable symptoms (56%), or if the hearing assessment were free (43%), indicating awareness and cost are barriers in pursuing preventative and reactive care.
“Findings from this study underscore the urgent need to address barriers to care and raise awareness about the connections between hearing, overall health and wellbeing,” said Beto Casellas, EVP and CEO, Health & Wellness, Synchrony. “Through continued education, we can equip consumers with the resources and financing options that can empower them to take the first step in reclaiming their sense of belonging and fully participating in social activities.”
One of those options may be the CareCredit health and wellness credit card, which provides a flexible financing solution for hearing care needs and is accepted at over 11,000 audiology and hearing practices nationwide.
For more information on the study and available financial solutions, visit www.carecredit.com
